(From company literature) Gitzo G2220 Explorer Tripod. The G2220 is a three-section aluminum version of the Explorer Series. Versatility is the key to this tripod. Quick to set up, rugged in construction, innovative in design, and loaded with features that offer shooting positions that would be virtually impossible with standard tripods.

Features such as ergonomically designed leg-angle-locking that allows the legs to be individually locked at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees.The Explorer also makes ground level shooting a snap with a unique shoulder-knuckle design that allows the column to be tilted 100 degrees, rotated freely through 360 degrees, and locked into any position.

The center column is fitted with an aluminum head plate with reversible 1/4-20" and 3/8" screw, plus a weight hook at the base.

Adding even more versatility to the Explorer is the G1275M and G1276M "off center" ball heads.

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $225.00| Rating: 0

Pros:

Solid, Very adjustable, great quality

Cons:

Heavy

Overall a good pod. Very well constructed, solid, good adjustments, very flexible. It does get really heavy if you have to carry it very far.

mrtim

Registered: December 2006Posts: 3

Gitzo G2220 Explorer review by mrtim

Review Date: 12/5/2006

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $276.00| Rating: 8

Pros:

quality tripod, swinging center column nice for macro

Cons:

heavier than some, center post can get in the way

I bought this tripod, with a Kirk BH-3 ballhead, after reading lots of advice to not purchase an "inexpensive" tripod that I wouldn't be happy with. After a lot of looking around I settled on this combination as about the cheapest that would keep me happy.

After using the tripod for over a year, I think this was a fine choice. It's not as light as a carbon fiber would be, but it's quite stable and way less expensive.

Being able to adjust the leg angles independently is fantastic. I don't swing the center post all that often, but when I do it is more stable than I had expected (get an L bracket for the camera, this makes it much easier to maneuver). These two feature combined give you a very flexible platform.

I've read that some are concerned about the twist lock legs, but I got used to this very quickly.

noparallel

Registered: September 2006Posts: 1

Gitzo G2220 Explorer review by noparallel

Review Date: 9/13/2006

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7

Pros:

Very adjustable, decent build quality

Cons:

Shims inside the leg tubes are relatively fragile

It's not a lens so the "lens" part doesn't apply to the ratings (substitute tripod.) I shoot 50% landscapes, 20% macro, and 30% everything else. This tripod is quite stable, even in rapids. There is some transmission of vibration in rapidly moving water however so you must be mindful of your shutter speed.

Stability is paramount to me, especially in moving water, so my next purchase will be a wooden tripod because of woods superior damping qualities.